Nutrition
I
have epilepsy. What kind of diet should I follow?
If is important that you eat a good, well balanced diet
and live a healthy lifestyle. Of course, this would be true
even if you did not have epilepsy.
Aren't
there some special dietary needs or restrictions for people
with epilepsy?
No, not for the epilepsy itself. If you have some other
disease or condition in addition to epilepsy that requires
a special diet, such as diabetes, for instance, it is important
that you follow the diet that you need for that particular
medical problem.
What
about calcium and magnesium?
It is true that if the body becomes depleted of these
substances, convulsions may occur. However, unless you have
some other medical problems that affects these substances,
you will not have problems with them if you eat a well balanced
general diet.
What
about vitamins?
Again, unless you have some other medical problems that
interferes with the body's ability to use the vitamins normally
present in the diet, there are no special requirements for
vitamins for people with epilepsy. Self treatment with massive
doses of vitamins at best will do no good, and at worst may
do harm.
What
about coffee, alcohol and smoking?
These substances are best considered drugs rather than
part of the diet. Like all other drugs they can do harm, particularly
if taken too often or in large amounts. However, there is
no evidence that they are more dangerous for people with epilepsy
than for anyone else. Alcohol however, if taken too frequently
or in too large amounts can lower the seizure threshold.
I
take medication to control my seizures. Will this cause any
problems with my diet?
The anti-convulsants that control seizures often interferes
with the body's ability to use vitamin D, vitamin K and folic
acid. While this effect is present in most people who take
these medications it is usually mild and causes no harm. Any
of the effects may cause problems in some people, however,
particularly in growing children, during pregnancy or if the
diet is poor. Your doctor can check for all of these problems
and can determine whether anything needs to be done about
them.
You
and your doctor are the individuals most familiar with your
particular case. Establishing and continuing a working relationship
with your doctor can do much to help you control your seizure
disorder. Please consult him/her for advice on diet.
Revised
April 2002
This
information provided by the Epilepsy Association of South
Australia and Northern Territory Inc on the Internet is designed
to provide basic information about epilepsy. It is not intended,
nor does it constitute medical or other professional advice.
Diagnosis and advice on medical care or other assessments
should be sought from a medical practitioner or suitably qualified
professional.
